Newly-signed running back Ryan Grant said that his familiarity with the zone-blocking scheme that the Redskins run, the talent that Robert Griffin III boasts and Mike Shanahan’s coaching track record made him want to sign with Washington on Tuesday night.

Through two games, the Washington Redskins boast the highest scoring average in the NFL, and the fourth-highest total of yards gained. But tight end Fred Davis says that the unit still has yet to show all of the playbook, or play up to it’s full potential.

The Washington Redskins kick off the season with one of the stiffest challenges they will face all year on defense. Waiting for them at the Superdome on Sunday will be Drew Brees and 2011’s No. 1-ranked offense.

The injury woes that have plagued the Redskins and their safeties the last two seasons seem to have continued as Mike Shanahan announced that the team will open the year with Brandon Meriweather sidelined for two to four weeks with a sprained MCL and PCL.

Washington Redskins rookie quarterback Robert Griffin III admitted that despite his laid back manner, he’ll feel some pre-game nerves before his team’s season-opening game against the New Orleans Saints on Sunday. But Griffin intends to maintain an even keel rather than let emotions run high.

After observing the way that third-year pro Brandon Banks responded to the challenge issued to him at the start of training camp, Washington Redskins coach Mike Shanahan said that the team must find ways to get the speedy player the ball more this season.

Negotiations between the NFL and its locked-out referees stalled again Saturday, and the NFL Referees Association said it does not expect its members to be on the field when the season opens Wednesday.